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figuring out

verb

present participle of figure out
as in solving
to find an answer for through reasoning a book of brainteasers that even a really clever person won't have an easy time figuring out

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of figuring out That makes the research less like searching a catalog for the right material and more like figuring out the rules for building one. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026 For Alexander Lee, back-to-school shopping used to mean hours spent comparing prices, reading reviews, and figuring out where to buy a growing list of supplies for his two kids. — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026 The biggest point of contention was figuring out what to pack for the plane. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2026 Quarterback Did Notre Dame get any closer to figuring out its QB2? — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026 In figuring out how to move past his breakout role, Stokes sought the advice of an expert on the matter — Dawson’s Creek alum Joshua Jackson. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026 Her challenge now isn’t simply figuring out how to keep growing it, but how to keep it relevant as the American consumer who fueled the industry’s growth changes. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026 The insurance industry has spent decades figuring out how to avoid paying for your health. — Andréa Becker, STAT, 14 Aug. 2026 More and more people are growing out and leaning into their shimmering silver, and the only thing cooler than embracing the color is figuring out the haircut that makes the most of it in a way that’s very you. — Marci Robin, Allure, 17 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for figuring out
  1. solving
  2. unraveling
  3. answering
  4. working out
  5. resolving
Verb
  • Successful manufacturers will focus on solving real business challenges, building the right digital foundation and empowering people to work alongside AI.
    — Nishkam Batta, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The bureau's Missing and Murdered Unit was created in 2021 to address the crisis of violence against Native Americans and put new resources toward solving cold cases.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of solving
Verb
  • The episode became a turning point, unraveling diplomacy that had largely preserved the informal truce and halted Houthi attacks on Saudi territory.
    — Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Metalpoint is delicate by comparison with ink, almost weblike; but in both cases, the drawings are unraveling clusters and skeins, with passages both tight and loose.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of unraveling
Verb
  • The friend, calling from New York, had called Margaret's Brooklyn apartment, but the recording answering the phone gave a number with a 313 area code.
    — Nicole Avery Nichols, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Most coaches saunter off the podium after answering questions.
    — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of answering
Verb
  • The coach is photographed in a variety of tongue-in-cheek situations such as grilling, taking an ice plunge, beekeeping, working out and doing karate — all while wearing khakis.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Michigan State’s special teams hire is paying off Michigan State’s big assistant hire is already working out.
    — Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of working out
Verb
  • Deodands were a messy, odd, and imperfect way of resolving tragedies without clear perpetrators.
    — Amelia Soth, JSTOR Daily, 16 Sep. 2026
  • After an intriguing start to the second act, the pacing begins to lag before resolving with an overly tidy and quick ending.
    — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of resolving

Browse Nearby Words

figuring on
figuring out
filament
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Cite this Entry

“Figuring out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/figuring%20out. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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